Utah Tech University is ranked among the top 40 safest schools in the United States and No. 11 in Utah.
The university conducted campus safety surveys to measure how students feel on campus. The results showed students feel safe on campus, said Wes LiCalzi, chief police of the Utah Tech Police Department. The data also showed that the campus crime rate is lower than in surrounding metro areas.
The campus safety survey was sent to the entire university community.
Recent events
Over winter break, three cars were broken into on campus and in off-campus housing apartments.
“I don’t feel unsafe on campus, but I do often worry about my car getting broken in or stolen since the recent events,” said Larissa Thomas, a sophomore general studies major from Spanish Fork.
Police frequently patrol campus and respond to calls for service, LiCalzi said.
Police presence
Officers focus on areas identified as safety concerns in the survey.
“There were some parts of campus that had specific concerns regarding parking lots and areas around buildings, specifically at night,” LiCalzi said. “Our philosophy is ‘See Something, Say Something,’ and we back that up with making reporting accessible and easy.”
Students and staff can contact police through the myUT app to text the on-duty officers for a safety escort or to report suspicious activity.
Students can report incidents online, in person or by phone. An anonymous online reporting form alerts on-duty officers.
Dorm safety
Some students expressed concerns about walking to their dorms at night.
“My biggest safety concern on campus is walking back to my dorm at night,” said McKaydee Lindwall, a sophomore general studies major from Riverton. “I feel like there is a lack of lighting on campus walkways.”
The academic buildings and dorms receive the same monitoring from the police department. Officers also work with housing staff on reports and incidents.
The police department has begun to increase their presence and availability at the dorms, LiCalzi said.
These efforts include:
- Walking through buildings
- Increase focus on parking lots
- More officers patrolling after large events
Student concerns
“I wish there were more emergency blue-light phones around campus, just because you can never be too careful,” said Amelia Stringham, a senior art major from Salt Lake City.
A blue-light phone is an emergency phone that has a direct line to emergency services.
“The only blue-light phone on campus is near the freeway. That feels more off campus,” said Maya Christopherson, a junior elementary education major from Logan.
Campus police patrol throughout the day. Students often see patrol cars parked along walkways while monitoring areas as students walk to class or home at night.
“Sometimes, I feel like the cars on campus are more of a concern than anything else,” Lindwall said. “As I walk on campus, I feel like I am constantly watching my back to avoid being hit by a car, golf cart or people riding a scooter.”
Staff input
When staff members filled out the survey, there were some concerns that were expressed but immediately addressed, LiCalzi said.
“I have lived in St. George my whole life, and I haven’t really felt unsafe on campus or in the community,” said Anilee Adams, assistant director of student involvement and leadership.
“Come talk to us — our door is always open, and your safety is our mission,” LiCalzi said.
